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Around the World in 80 Days (1956) movie poster

Timeline

Around the World in 80 Days (1956) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
1956 · 167 min · English
Directed by
John Farrow, Michael Anderson
Starring
John Gielgud, Robert Morley, Basil Sydney, Finlay Currie, Trevor Howard, David Niven
Budget
$6M

Driven by a wager, wealthy inventor Phileas Fogg accepts the challenge of circumnavigating the globe in just 80 days. Accompanied by his resourceful valet and an adventurous French police detective, he faces numerous obstacles and perilous situations as they journey through diverse cultures and landscapes. Along the way, they encounter unexpected romance and thrilling chases, all while racing against time and a relentless pursuit.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 The book behind the movie
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

Where can you watch Around the World in 80 Days? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Kanopy, Plex and Tubi TV: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Around the World in 80 Days Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Around the World in 80 Days (1956) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Prologue Presentation

    Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow introduces the story with a prologue that includes historical footage. The segment features Georges Méliès' A Trip to the Moon and highlights its connection to Jules Verne's book, From the Earth to the Moon.

  2. The Bet is Made

    In 1872, Phileas Fogg challenges himself to travel around the world in just eighty days. He makes a wager of £20,000 with four members of the Reform Club, who each contribute £5,000, betting on the feasibility of his journey.

    When
    8:45 PM
    Where
    Reform Club, London
  3. Departure on the Journey

    With his cunning valet Passepartout at his side, Fogg begins his journey around the globe. They make strategic stops, spending money liberally to expedite their travel and meet their tight schedule.

  4. Blocked Tunnel

    Upon arriving in Paris, Fogg and Passepartout learn that a crucial tunnel through the Alps is blocked. To circumvent this issue, they are offered a hot air balloon by a Thomas Cook agent, which Fogg decides to purchase.

    Where
    Paris, France
  5. Flight Over the Alps

    Fogg and Passepartout take to the skies in their newly acquired hot air balloon. While enjoying champagne during their flight, they successfully bypass the obstacle posed by the blocked tunnel in a rather extravagant fashion.

    Where
    Over the Alps
  6. Unplanned Detour to Spain

    Due to a miscalculation, the duo ends up in Spain where they experience the local culture. They enjoy a lively flamenco performance in a bar and later, Passepartout humorously participates in a bullfight.

    Where
    Spain
  7. Suspicion in London

    Back in London, the authorities grow suspicious of Fogg, believing he has committed robbery. Inspector Fix is dispatched to trail Fogg, starting his pursuit in Suez, but lacks immediate authorization to arrest him.

    Where
    London, England
  8. A Crucial Rescue in India

    In India, Fogg and Passepartout encounter a dire situation and rescue a widow, Aouda, from a funeral pyre. This courageous act leads them to forge a bond, and she joins their adventurous journey.

    Where
    India
  9. Traveling Across Continents

    Fogg, Passepartout, and Aouda travel through major cities including Hong Kong, Yokohama, and San Francisco. The journey takes them through the diverse landscapes of the Wild West before heading to New York.

    Where
    Various locations
  10. Stranding at Sea

    After reaching New York, Fogg arranges passage on a cargo steamship to Venezuela. Unfortunately, they run out of coal mid-ocean and must improvise, with Fogg buying the ship and instructing the crew to burn everything for fuel.

    Where
    Mid-Ocean
  11. Arrest in Liverpool

    Despite barely making it to Liverpool, Fogg's plans take a turn when Inspector Fix catches up with him. He is arrested just as he hopes to reach London in time to win his wager.

    Where
    Liverpool, England
  12. Missed Opportunity

    While detained, Inspector Fix realizes that the actual bank robber has been captured elsewhere. Although Fogg is cleared of all charges, he finds he no longer has sufficient time to meet his deadline.

  13. Wedding Plans

    Back in London, Fogg expresses his desire to marry Aouda. After an unexpected revelation, they realize the following day is Sunday, allowing for a wedding ceremony that would otherwise have been impossible.

    Where
    London, England
  14. Time Zone Revelation

    Realizing they have gained an extra day by traveling east across the International Date Line, Fogg is filled with renewed hope. This crucial understanding gives him a chance to return to the Reform Club on time.

  15. Winning the Bet

    Fogg rushes back to the Reform Club, arriving just before 8:45 PM to claim his victory. His return is surprising, especially as he is accompanied by Aouda, who is the first woman ever to enter the club.

    Where
    Reform Club, London

Last updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

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Timeline questions answered

Around the World in 80 Days Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Around the World in 80 Days (1956): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

How did Phileas Fogg win the bet after being arrested?

Fogg won the bet because he realized he had gained an extra day by traveling east across the International Date Line. When he was arrested in Liverpool, he thought he had lost all chance of making it to the Reform Club on time. However, upon learning it was actually Sunday rather than Monday, he understood that his eastward journey had given him an additional day. He rushed to the club and arrived just before 8:45 PM to win the wager.

  • phileas fogg
  • wager
  • reform club
  • international date line
  • 80 days
Q2

Why was Phileas Fogg suspected of stealing from the Bank of England?

Fogg was suspected because someone had stolen £55,000 from the Bank of England, and his sudden departure and generous spending pattern made him appear suspicious to the authorities. Inspector Fix was dispatched from Scotland Yard to track him down, believing Fogg might be the thief attempting to flee the country.

  • bank robbery
  • inspector fix
  • scotland yard
  • suspicion
  • fugitive
Q3

What is the International Date Line and why did it give Fogg an extra day?

The International Date Line is an imaginary line in the Pacific Ocean where the calendar date changes by one day. By traveling east around the world, Fogg crossed this line and automatically gained 24 hours. This phenomenon occurs because traveling eastward means moving toward the rising sun, effectively adding a day to his journey that he didn't account for in his original calculation.

  • international date line
  • time zone
  • calendar
  • eastward travel
  • extra day
Q4

Why did Fogg buy the steamship and burn it for fuel?

Fogg bought the cargo steamship because it ran out of coal in the middle of the ocean with no other fuel sources available. With no time to waste and his entire wager at stake, Fogg ordered the crew to burn the ship's lifeboats and other wooden materials to keep the vessel moving toward Liverpool, sacrificing the ship itself to continue the journey.

  • steamship
  • fuel
  • coal
  • ocean
  • desperation
  • burning ship
Q5

Why did Fogg rescue Aouda from the funeral pyre?

Fogg and Passepartout intervened when they discovered Aouda was about to be burned on her deceased husband's funeral pyre, a custom they opposed. This brave rescue not only saved her life but also resulted in Aouda joining their journey. Their bond deepened throughout the adventure, eventually leading to romance.

  • aouda
  • rescue
  • funeral pyre
  • india
  • widow
  • marriage
Q6

Why did Inspector Fix arrest Fogg in Liverpool?

Inspector Fix arrested Fogg because he believed Fogg was the bank robber who had stolen £55,000 from the Bank of England. Fix had been tracking Fogg throughout his journey, waiting for authorization to make an arrest at British-controlled ports. However, at the police station, Fix learned the real thief had already been caught in Brighton, clearing Fogg's name.

  • inspector fix
  • arrest
  • liverpool
  • bank robber
  • brighton
  • wrongful arrest
Q7

How did the hot air balloon help Fogg bypass the blocked Alps tunnel?

When Fogg and Passepartout learned in Paris that a major tunnel through the Alps was blocked, a Thomas Cook representative offered an alternative: a hot air balloon. Fogg purchased the balloon and used it to fly directly over the Alps, successfully circumventing the blockage and continuing their journey without delay.

  • hot air balloon
  • alps
  • paris
  • thomas cook
  • blocked tunnel
  • flight
Q8

Why did Fogg want to marry Aouda immediately after returning to London?

Fogg wanted to marry Aouda because they had fallen in love during their adventurous journey together. After the emotional toll of thebet, the arrest, and his belief that he had lost everything, Fogg was determined to secure their future together. He asked Passepartout to arrange a church wedding for the following day.

  • marriage
  • aouda
  • wedding
  • love
  • reform club
  • proposal
Q9

Why did Passepartout participate in a bullfight in Spain?

Passepartout became accidentally embroiled in the bullfight while exploring Spain after the hot air balloon blew them off course. He hilariously participated in the bullfight, much to Fogg's annoyance and embarrassment, adding one of the film's comedic moments to their journey.

  • passepartout
  • bullfight
  • spain
  • comedy
  • balloon accident
Q10

How much money was at stake in Fogg's wager?

Fogg wagered £20,000, with each of the four skeptical Reform Club members contributing £5,000. In today's value, this amounts to approximately £2.3 million, making the stakes extraordinarily high and explaining why Fogg was willing to spend lavishly throughout his journey to meet the deadline.

  • wager
  • £20
  • 000
  • reform club
  • bet
  • money
  • gamble
Q11

Why was Aouda the first woman to enter the Reform Club?

Aouda was the first woman to enter the Reform Club because the club had historically been male-only. When Fogg arrived with Aouda at the end of his journey, it caused a significant stir among the club members, marking a historic moment for the institution.

  • aouda
  • reform club
  • first woman
  • histry
  • gender

Movie threads

More Movies Like Around the World in 80 Days, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Around the World in 80 Days tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Global Race Against Time Movies like Around the World in 80 Days

Thrilling journeys where the clock is ticking and the world is the obstacle course. If you enjoyed the frantic travel and time-sensitive wager in Around the World in 80 Days, explore these movies featuring similar high-stakes global races. These films capture the same exciting sprint against the clock, with characters facing perilous situations and cultural challenges on a worldwide scale.

  • race against time
  • adventurous
  • sprint
  • hopeful
  • global
  • thrilling
  • Tone: hopeful, adventurous, optimistic
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a linear, goal-oriented structure. A protagonist, often driven by a bet, duty, or personal mission, must traverse great physical distances within a strict timeframe. The plot is a series of sequential challenges set in diverse locations, testing the characters' resourcefulness and resolve as they push toward a definitive finish line.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a ticking clock as the primary narrative engine, a globe-trotting or large-scale journey as the setting, and a tone that mixes peril with a sense of assured, fun-filled adventure rather than grim survival.

Whimsical Journey Movies like Around the World in 80 Days

Joyful expeditions where the journey itself is the reward, filled with wonder and humor. Fans of the lighthearted, comical, and uplifting spirit of Around the World in 80 Days will enjoy these whimsical journey films. Discover similar movies where the adventure is filled with hopeful discovery, charming mishaps, and a focus on the joyous experience of travel and cultural exploration.

  • whimsical
  • optimistic
  • comical
  • uplifting
  • hopeful
  • discovery
  • Tone: whimsical, light, uplifting
  • Pacing: fast, playful
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative is an episodic travelogue where each new location offers a self-contained, often comical, challenge or cultural interaction. Character growth comes from exposure to new ideas and people, with conflicts resolved through ingenuity and humor rather than violence. The journey transforms the characters through positive experiences.

Why they belong together: This thread groups movies that share a light emotional weight, a consistently whimsical or comical tone, and a central theme of optimistic discovery. The viewing experience is defined by its uplifting spirit, low stakes for true peril, and emphasis on the fun and wonder of the adventure itself.

Every angle

Around the World in 80 Days (1956) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Around the World in 80 Days in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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